Djokovic and Sabalenka stunned in US Open mixed doubles debut

Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka exited the US Open mixed doubles tournament in their first match, losing 1-4, 4-2, 10-2 to Henry Patten and Katerina Siniakova. The Serbian star and Belarusian sensation started strong, winning the first set, but Patten and Siniakova fought back to take the second and dominate the tiebreak. Siniakova sealed the upset with a powerful ace on match point.

Djokovic, a 24-time grand slam singles champion, and four-time major winner Sabalenka appeared to have a strong start to their US Open singles campaigns, which will resume on August 30. The revamped mixed doubles format, introduced last year, saw top seeds Djokovic and Sabalenka receive a small break before their singles matches.

Serena Williams made a triumphant return to the US Open, partnering with 21-year-old Carlos Alcaraz to advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli.